Release Issued by Olympus:
Minimum dimensions maximum performance
Read our feature:
Olympus E-400 hands-on first-looks preview
The 10.0 million pixel Olympus E-400:
The worlds smallest digital SLR*
London, 14 September 2006 Olympus presents the latest addition to the E-System, the worlds smallest and lightest D-SLR* camera the E-400. The compact size and low weight of this latest Four Thirds Standard camera, allows photographers to take it virtually anywhere, while not having to do without the considerable benefits of SLR photography. This model features a new CCD with 10.0 million pixels and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit for incredible imaging performance at super fast speed. As the design of the E-400 is based on the Four Thirds Standard, users have virtually unlimited flexibility. A wide range of high-quality, interchangeable lenses, including the EISA Award winning Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro lenses, plus other accessories are available for all types of needs. These are provided by Olympus and, thanks to cross-manufacturer compatibility of the standard, from other manufacturers as well. As with all E-System cameras, the E-400 features the Supersonic Wave Filter ensuring dust-free photography, even after changing lenses under challenging conditions.
Compact size with innovative D-SLR technology
As it is the worlds smallest and lightest D-SLR*, the E-400 is sure to never become a burden. It is the perfect travel companion, compact enough to take along on holidays or for use as a high quality back-up camera when out on the road.
Within its extraordinarily tiny frame is a treasure-trove of innovative technology. To begin with, a 10.0 million pixel CCD provides plenty of imaging power so that even the finest of details do not go to waste. This highly energy-efficient CCD features a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit that all but eradicates noise and is incredibly fast. It enables sequential shooting at up to 3fps with a five image RAW buffer in burst mode.
Like every Olympus E-System camera, the E-400 is armed with a Supersonic Wave Filter. This patented technology allows lenses to be changing even in challenging environments without the fear of dust contamination, giving users the brilliance of dust-free pictures every time. Developed by Olympus, the Supersonic Wave Filter generates ultra-high-speed vibrations that literally shake off dust and other particles from the CCD. These are then captured on a special adhesive membrane to prevent recontamination. For the E-400, the Supersonic Wave Filter has been optimised with smaller dimensions and a higher frequency of vibrations for even more effectiveness.
Pro features and comfortable handling
The Olympus E-400 proves that even a feature-packed D-SLR neednt be difficult to operate. Of course it includes the full range of manual control options for boundless creativity, and complements these with 31 scene modes that cover a wide variety of shooting situations. These include Underwater, Macro, High Key and Low Key. Users also benefit from special colour modes and the possibility to apply various Black&White filters to images.
So that photographers can continue shooting as long as they wish, the E-400 is powered by a new high-power rechargeable battery. The camera also accepts both CompactFlash and xD-Picture Cards, giving a choice of data storage options for even more flexibility. And, to ensure that the versatility and quality of E-System photography is open to as many people as possible, the menus on the E-400, as well as its manuals and software, can be displayed any one of 25 languages, making the camera completely understandable in 39 European countries something only Olympus currently offers.
Four Thirds compatibility for boundless versatility
As with all E-Series cameras, the E-400 conforms to the Four Thirds Standard. Olympus and various other manufacturers produce high-quality Four Thirds-compliant lenses and accessories that are specifically designed for digital SLR image capture. With only very few exceptions, the E-400 is compatible with virtually the complete range of Olympus E-System accessories. This includes the full line-up of the ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro lenses, which recently received an EISA award. Even an Underwater Case (PT-E03) will be available to let adventurous photographers capture the delights of the aquatic world in up to 40m of water.
New E-System lenses
For better results and improved handling, lenses based on the Four Thirds Standard feature near telecentric construction, which takes into account the specific technical characteristics and requirements of digital cameras. Two new Olympus Four Thirds lenses will be introduced with the E-400 at its launch: the EZ-1442 ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (equiv. to 28-84mm on a 35mm camera), which is perfect for standard applications, and, for more magnification power there is the EZ-4015-2 ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 80-300mm on a 35mm camera). Both lenses are exceptionally compact, for greater mobility and speedy use. They also offer maximum image quality at an excellent price and feature a stylish design with a blue ring in the middle the new insignia for the Olympus E-System lens line-up.
The E-400 achieves a remarkable balancing act between being the worlds smallest and lightest D-SLR* and relinquishing nothing in terms of image quality and professional performance. It combines the size usually attributed to compact cameras with the stunningly crisp picture quality and versatility expected from an SLR. The E-400 will be available from November 2006.
The Olympus E-400 digital SLR main features:
Worlds smallest and lightest D-SLR*
10 million pixels
6.4cm/2.5 LCD
Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash)
31 shooting modes (incl. 5 exposure, 7 creative & 19 scene modes)
Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
3fps with up to five images in RAW buffer
One touch white balance
TruePic TURBO image processor
AF-lock functionality
Depth of field preview function
Improved 49 segment digital ESP and spot metering
Exposure Bracketing function
Large beginners and advanced info screen
Detailed playback info screen with histogram
Exceptional ease of use with intuitive GUI and buttons that provide immediate access to frequently used features
JPEG & RAW recording
Based on Four Thirds Standard
Underwater Case available (PT-E03) waterproof to 40m
New ultra-compact lenses main features**:
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6
Close focusing distance of 25cm
ED element and 2 aspherical elements
65.5x61mm
190g
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6
Close focusing distance of 90cm
ED lens element
65.5x72cm
250g
Olympus E-System lens line-up**:
Top Pro lens range
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm (14-28mm) 1:4.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0
(available from 2007)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (70-200mm) 1:2.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm) 1:2.8
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (300mm) 1:2.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm (600mm) 1:2.8
Pro lens range ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm (100mm) 1:2.0 Macro
Standard lens range
NEW!! ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm (36-360mm) 1:3.5-6.3
ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5
NEW!! Extra compact ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:4.0-5.6
ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm Macro (70mm) 1:3.5
* As at June 2006
** Figures in brackets show 35mm camera equivalents
Specifications
| Image Sensor
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| Image sensor: | 10.8 million pixels CCD sensor,
17.3mm x 13.0mm
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| Effective pixels: | 10.0 million pixels
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| Aspect ratio: | 4:3
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| Filter array: | Primary colour filter (RGB)
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| LCD
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| HyperCrystal LCD
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| Pixel number: | 215,000 pixels
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| Monitor size: | 6.4cm/2.5
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| Brightness adjustment: | +/- 7 steps
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| Viewfinder
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| Viewfinder type: | Eye-level single-lens viewfinder
|
| Field of view: | Approx. 95%
|
| Magnification: | Approx. 0.92x with a 50mm lens set to infinity
at -1 dioptres
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| Depth of field preview: | By pressing left arrow button. Selectable in optical viewfinder or on the LCD monitor
|
| Eye point: | 16mm at -1 dioptres
|
| Diopter adjustment: | +1.0 to -3.0 dioptres built-in type
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| Focusing screen: | Fixed type (Neo Lumi-Micron Mat Screen)
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| Mirror: | Quick return mirror
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| Viewfinder information: | AF frame (super impose), AE lock, AF confirmation mark, Metering mode, Exposure mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, White balance, Exposure compensation value indicator, Flash, Battery check, Record mode, Number of storable still pictures
|
| Eye piece shutter: | Eye-piece cap EP-4 supplied
|
| Focusing System
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| Focusing system: | TTL phase difference detection system
|
| Focus areas: | 3 points
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| AF illuminator: | Built-in flash, optional Olympus dedicated flash units
|
| AF lock: | Locked by first position of shutter release button in single AF mode, AE/AF lock button (customised)
|
| Detection range: | 19 EV (ISO 100)
|
| Focus area selection: | Automatic and manual selection
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| Focus tracking: | Available in continuous AF mode
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| Focus aid: | Available
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| Manual focus: | Available by rotating focus ring, available for setting manual focus operation in AF mode (customised)
|
| Single AF, Single AF + MF, Continuous AF, Continuous AF + MF
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| Light Metering
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| TTL open aperture light metering: | 49 zones multi-pattern sensing system
|
| Detection range: | EV 1 to 20 (50mm 1:2, ISO 100)
|
| ESP light metering, Spot metering, Centre-weighted metering, Highlight, Shadow
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| Shooting Modes
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| Exposure modes: | 5 (Auto, Programme Automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual)
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| Scene modes: | 19 (Beach and Snow, Candle, Children, Documents, Fireworks, High Key, Image Stabilisation Mode, Landscape, Landscape & Portrait, Low Key, Macro, Nature Macro, Night Scene, Night Scene & Portrait, Portrait, Sports, Sunset, Underwater Macro, Underwater Wide)
|
| Creative modes: | 7 (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sport, Night Scene & Portrait, Underwater Macro, Underwater Wide) with pre-settings and manual options
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| Exposure System
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| Exposure compensation: | +/-5 EV in 1/3 EV steps
|
| Bracketing: | 3 frames in +/- 1, 2/3, or 1/3 EV steps
|
| Sensitivity
|
| Auto: | ISO 100-1600 automatic control between 100 and 1600 in combination with a flash
|
| Manual: | ISO 100-1600 (in each 1/3 EV steps possible). Warning message at ISO 800-1600
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| White Balance
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| White balance adjustment: | -7 to +7 in each R-B / G-M axis (in Auto WB and preset WB mode)
|
| Auto WB system: | Advanced detection system with CCD sensor
|
| Manual white balance (One-Touch)
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| Selectable steps in Kelvin: | 7 steps (3000-7500K)
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| Overcast, Shade, Tungsten, Sunlight, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3
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| Internal Flash
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| Guide number: | 10
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| Flash compensation: | +/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
|
| Modes: | Auto, Red-eye reduction, Slow synchronisation, Slow synchronisation 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Off
|
| Sequence Shooting
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| Sequential shooting mode: | 3.0fps, approx. 20 frames in HQ JPEG mode
|
| Sequential shooting mode RAW: | 3fps, 4 frames
|
| Image Processing
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| Colour space: | sRGB, AdobeRGB
|
| TruePic TURBO
|
| Sharpness: | 5 levels in each picture mode
|
| Saturation: | 5 levels in each picture mode
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| Contrast: | 5 levels in each picture mode
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| Black & White Filter: | Yellow, Orange, Red, Green in Black & White and Sepia mode
|
| Black & White toning: | Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green in Black & White mode
|
| Picture Mode: | Vivid, Natural, Muted, Black & White, Sepia
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| Gradation: | 3 levels (High Key, Normal, Low Key)
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| Image Editing
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| Black & White, Correction of saturation, RAW data edit, Red-eye reduction, Resize, Sepia
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| View Images
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| Histogram in playback mode, Slide show, Calendar
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| Zoom: | 2-14x
|
| Index: | 4, 9, 16, 25 frames
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| Shooting Information: | Exposure mode, Metering mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation level, ISO, Colour space, White balance mode, White balance compensation level, Focal length, Focus area, File type, Picture mode, File name, Image size, Recorded card type
|
| Exposure level view: | Histogram (R,G,B available), High light point warning, Shadow point warning
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| Still Image Recording
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| EXIF 2.2, PIM III, DPOF, JPEG
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| JPEG compression: | 1/2.7 SHQ, 1/4 HQ, 1/8 or 1/12 SQ
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| Image Size
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| 3136x2352: | SHQ / HQ RAW
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| 2560x1920: | SQ
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| 1600x1200: | SQ
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| 1280x960: | SQ
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| 1024x768: | SQ
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| 640x480: | SQ
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| Memory
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| CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive, xD-Picture Card (Dual Slot)
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| Interface
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| USB 1.1
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| Combined A/V & USB output: | NTSC or PAL selectable
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| Size
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| Dimensions: | 129.5mm (W) x 91mm (H) x 53mm (D) (excluding protrusions)
|
| Weight: | 380g (body only)
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| Box Contents
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| Body cap, Shoulder strap, Video cable, USB cable, Olympus Master Software, Instruction manual, Warranty card, BCS-1, BLS-1, EP-4
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Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.
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